"First Light" on the telly

[TorqueVR]

Was I mistaken or was there a trailer on the TV a few days ago for what I assume to be a drama or a documentary based on Geoff Wellum's Battle Of Briatin autobiography?

[DieselGriff]

I hadn't seen the trailer but having read and enjoyed the book I thought I'd do some digging and it appears you are right. BBC. Can't wait.

[Simpo Two]

There's a sudden welter of BoB/WW2 progs all over the place at present. As someone said, it's the only thing other than 1966 we have to be proud of.

'First Light' by Geoff Wellum is one of the must-have books of the genre.

[bleesh]

TorqueVR said:

Was I mistaken or was there a trailer on the TV a few days ago for what I assume to be a drama or a documentary based on Geoff Wellum's Battle Of Briatin autobiography?

Correct!!!

Next Tuesday 14th September, 9pm, BBC2

[Eric Mc]

One of my favourite WW2 books. I hope the BBC have done it justice.

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

One of my favourite WW2 books. I hope the BBC have done it justice.

I'm reading it at the moment. It's one of those books you could read to the end at one go.

[Eric Mc]

It is very interesting in that you are reliving the experiences of a 19 year old through the eyes of an 80 year old. I thought it was very revealing and honest.

Edited by Eric Mc on Thursday 9th September 13:08

[Waynester]

Thanks for the 'Heads Up on This'

I have also read the book, excellent it was too. In fact I might give it a quick re-read before the programme is due start.

[PHmember]

Thanks for the heads up, the book was excellent.

[mrmaggit]

Simpo Two said:

There's a sudden welter of BoB/WW2 progs all over the place at present. As someone said, it's the only thing other than 1966 we have to be proud of.

'First Light' by Geoff Wellum is one of the must-have books of the genre.

Smithy, the current OC BBMF said that to us a few weeks back when we went round the hangar.

[Eric Mc]

mrmaggit said:

Simpo Two said:

There's a sudden welter of BoB/WW2 progs all over the place at present. As someone said, it's the only thing other than 1966 we have to be proud of.

'First Light' by Geoff Wellum is one of the must-have books of the genre.

Smithy, the current OC BBMF said that to us a few weeks back when we went round the hangar.

What, that First light is a good book or that Britain has done nothing of note since the BoB apart from having a team win the World Cup?

If the latter, he's obviously not Scottish.

[eharding]

Eric Mc said:

One of my favourite WW2 books. I hope the BBC have done it justice.

Brace yourself Eric - I gather that some of the airborne footage was shot using a Yak-52 as a stand-in for a more authentic type..presumably some in-flight cockpit footage.....hopefully, forewarned, we won't have an incident like the last time...when you put your fist through your new telly when a BBC presenter described a Griffon variant Spitfire as being "Merlin-powered".

[Eric Mc]

eharding said:

Eric Mc said:

One of my favourite WW2 books. I hope the BBC have done it justice.

Brace yourself Eric - I gather that some of the airborne footage was shot using a Yak-52 as a stand-in for a more authentic type..presumably some in-flight cockpit footage.....hopefully, forewarned, we won't have an incident like the last time...when you put your fist through your new telly when a BBC presenter described a Griffon variant Spitfire as being "Merlin-powered".

Now now, I'm not that harsh on TV makers. I have great faith in the Beeb to do a good job.

I'm too mean minded to put my fist through my own TV anyway. However, if I was watching on someone else's telly though.....

[dr_gn]

Just read the bit in the book where he wrote (during the battle of Britain) words to the effect that in 20 years or even 20 months time, the pilots and their actions would have been long forgotten by all but them and their next of kin.

If only he could have fast-forwarded to the very same Duxford as it was last weekend! Didn't even get to see the car park for the BoB anniversary airshow, never mind the show itself; there were that many people wanting a glimpse of a Spitfire!

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

eharding said:

Eric Mc said:

One of my favourite WW2 books. I hope the BBC have done it justice.

Brace yourself Eric - I gather that some of the airborne footage was shot using a Yak-52 as a stand-in for a more authentic type..presumably some in-flight cockpit footage.....hopefully, forewarned, we won't have an incident like the last time...when you put your fist through your new telly when a BBC presenter described a Griffon variant Spitfire as being "Merlin-powered".

Now now, I'm not that harsh on TV makers. I have great faith in the Beeb to do a good job.

I'm too mean minded to put my fist through my own TV anyway. However, if I was watching on someone else's telly though.....

I saw the trailer for it tonight (while reading the book strangely enough). It looked OK to me. Some computer generated effects, which isn't necessarily bad IMHO. I'm optimistic for a change.

[mrmaggit]

Eric Mc said:

mrmaggit said:

Simpo Two said:

There's a sudden welter of BoB/WW2 progs all over the place at present. As someone said, it's the only thing other than 1966 we have to be proud of.

'First Light' by Geoff Wellum is one of the must-have books of the genre.

Smithy, the current OC BBMF said that to us a few weeks back when we went round the hangar.

What, that First light is a good book or that Britain has done nothing of note since the BoB apart from having a team win the World Cup?

If the latter, he's obviously not Scottish.

No, about the book. He did mention something in passing about the Lanc, which made us all laugh, but I'd better not repeat that in print as it may get him into trouble.

[PHmember]

Should be good, according to Geoffrey Wellum in the Telegraph yesterday:

Telegraph said:

Even Wellum is impressed with the results, hailing the adaptation as “the most authentic portrayal of a fighter squadron in the Battle of Britain ever.” Authenticity was paramount to Whiteman, who insisted on flying masks and helmets that were historically accurate to the year. Heughan’s preparations were even more meticulous: he had to learn to identify each of the Spitfire’s cockpit controls with his eyes shut – just as Wellum had to in his RAF training.

Linky: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/world-w...

[Simpo Two]

PHmember said:

Linky: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/world-w...

That link also mentions David Milliband. I'd let Wellum run the country and put Milliband in a Spitfire...

[Elroy Blue]

I'd rather put Milliband in something like a Fairy Battle. Not many came back!

[Simpo Two]

Don't worry, he wouldn't last long even in a Spitfire. He'd be jabbering on about 'No but if you just let me finish the question Jeremy' and a Hun would come and obligingly shoot him down